5 best drinks to try in Georgia

You might have heard about the staples of Georgian cuisine, but you might not know what drinks to try once you visit the country. Even though Georgian beverages are not as diverse as it’s cuisine, there are a couple of beverages unique to the state. So here’s a short list of the local drinks you shouldn’t miss when in Georgia.

Mineral Water

Georgia is home to many natural springs, from which several companies produce naturally carbonated mineral water. Each and every beverage is different from the other with taste and carbonation strength. The most famous of all is Borjomi both in Georgia and post-Soviet countries. This particular beverage is from Borjomi Gorge springs, located in the central part of the nation. If you wish to taste the natural spring, you can visit Borjomi and drink it before it is carbonated. Note that the natural spring has a strong sulfur taste before going through the purification process.

The Borjomi Springs were discovered in the 1820s by the Imperial Russian military. This lead to its vast popularity in Russia, both as the drink and tourist destination. The history of the brand Borjomi is closely related to the Romanov Dynasty and has been bottled in Russia’s Georgian estates. However, after the Soviet takeover, the enterprise was nationalized and the product was exported to Soviet countries.

Lemonade

Naturally, lemonades are produced all over the world, but tarragon flavored lemonade is unique to Georgia. It is another carbonated soft drink that Georgian’s love and was very popular during the Soviet era. It has a distinctive bright green color and a taste of the tarragon leaves.

The beverage was made by Mitrofane Lagidze, a Georgian pharmacist in the nineteenth century, by mixing carbonated water with the tarragon syrup. His invention quickly became popular and he opened a syrup factory with the trademark Lagidze Water, which still survives to the this day.

Today, many soft drink manufacturers produce typical lemonades with natural flavoring. The products can be bought at any local shop across the country. If it happens that tarragon is not your cup of soda, you can try other flavors, such as vanilla, lemon, pear, grape, and chocolate to name a few.

Lagidze Water

As mentioned above, Lagidze Water is created from soda and natural syrups. Traditionally it’s mixed in a glass from the soda fountain in front of you, making the whole experience unique and authentic.

In 1887 Lagidze experimented with the idea of using natural syrups instead of imported flavored essences to make lemonades. In 1900 he and his brothers began to blend unique proprietary flavors made from fruits and herbs. In 2014, this method of making lemonade was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Georgia.

Qvevri Wine

It’s a fact now that Georgia is one of the oldest wine making countries in the world, producing the alcoholic beverage for at least 8,000 years. What makes Georgian wine so special is the method it uses. Qvevri, a clay jar with a pointed end, is the primary vessel in traditional Georgian wine making. When grapes are crushed, the juice together with stems and skins are poured in qvevri for fermentation. The qvevri is buried underground, where a natural temperature of the soil does the “magic,” resulting in an amber-colored wine.

Chacha

This local pomace brandy is clear in color and very potent. The name of the drink comes from a Georgian word chacha for grape pomace (the solid remains of wine grapes after being pressed).

Traditionally it was a home-brewed drink of Georgians. Depending on the maker, the alcohol percentage can range between 40-65%. Today it’s commonly produced by many local distilleries and is sold in stores all over the country.

Apart from grape pomace, locals make chacha out of many other fruits, such as figs, pears, tangerines, peaches, and even honey.

See more: 5 unique souvenirs you can bring home from Georgia

Source: Internet

7 top destinations in Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is the city of contrasts, where both modern structures and old architecture perfectly co-exist next to each other. Here are the best attractions you can visit on your next trip to the capital.

Narikala Fortress

Overlooking the Abanotubani, the oldest district of the capital, the Narikala Fortress, a brick structure, dates back to the 4th century when Tbilisi was a Persian citadel. The fort sits on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical garden. The St. Nicholas Church, located inside the courtyard, is a fairly recent construction (1996–1997), but it replaces the original 13th-century one, which was destroyed by fire. You can walk up the steep hill from Maidan Square or take a cable car.

Kartlis Deda

Right next to Narikala, there’s a big statue of a woman holding a sword and a cup. That’s the Mother of Georgia or Kartlis Deda in Georgian. The aluminum figure rises 20 meters (65.6 feet) and is a symbol of not only Tbilisi but the country as well. The sword is for those who come as an enemy, while a cup of wine is for those who come as friends.

Metekhi Church

Located on the opposite side of Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church is a famous landmark in the city, along with the statue of King Vaghtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. This locale is where he built his palace and the first church in the area in the 5th century. The church that’s present today is from the 13th century and has undergone reconstruction several times since then.

Rike Park

One recreational space in Old Town is Rike Park, which features pools, fountains, a giant chess board, and several dozen chairs. During summer evenings, locals and visitors enjoy “dancing fountains” accompanied by music and a light show.

Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church, after the Soviet Union, is the Trinity Cathedral, as it translates in English. The cathedral, located on Elia Hill above Avlabari, is visible from almost every corner of the city center. The construction of the cathedral took approximately a decade and opened to the public in 2004. Its height is 84 meters (275.5 feet), including the gold-covered cross above its central dome.

Clock Tower

This fairytale-like clock tower is a relatively new edition to the capital. Made by Rezo Gabriadze, a puppet master, and a screenwriter, the tower features hundreds of handmade tiles created by Gabriadze himself. Every hour, an angel comes out of a door at the top and strikes a bell with a hammer; at noon and 7 pm, you can watch a small puppet show called “The Circle of Life.”

Stalin's Underground Printing House

Just a bit outside of the city center, Tbilisi hides a unique underground publishing house from where young Stalin and his colleagues used to spread Soviet propaganda at the beginning of the 20th century. The publishing house was built under a well, 17 meters (56 feet) below the ground. Activists accessed the room by climbing down the well, but it also had an emergency exit just in case their secret was leaked.

See more: Come to Georgia and taste its best traditional dishes

Source: Internet

Top countries to visit on a budget in Asia

While some of Asia’s nations, including Japan and Singapore, are known for being pretty expensive places to travel, there are those that offer terrific opportunities for budget travellers to explore for less. Here are some of the cheapest destinations around Asia where you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Bangladesh

If you’re looking for an affordable but offbeat place to explore that’s full of energy and intrigue, Bangladesh could be just the place you’re looking for. Bangladesh is home to the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world. It also boasts Cox’s Bazar, the longest stretch of unbroken sandy beach on Earth. Discover historic temples in Puthia, river life in Barisal, ancient ruins in Gaur, and much more. You can dine in a cheap restaurant for around 150 BDT (approximately 1.80 USD). A daily budget of 4,000 BDT (approximately 47.40 USD) will let you splurge and occasionally enjoy top-class hotel rooms and fancy restaurants throughout your trip, but it is also possible to get by in Bangladesh with around 1,500 BDT (approximately 17.80 USD) per day. An average backpacker should expect to spend in the region of 2,000 BDT (approximately 23.70 USD) each day.

Georgia

An often-overlooked country, Georgia sits alongside the Black Sea at the crossroads between Asia and Europe. The lush Caucasian Mountains are speckled with traditional villages and gorgeous views can be found around almost every twist in the road. The capital, Tbilisi, is a melting pot of cultural influences, but a traditional way of life still prevails. The nightlife is fun and cheap! Plus, in Georgia, you can spend the morning skiing and then hit the beach in the afternoon. Hostel beds start from as low as 13 GEL (approximately 5.30 USD) and you can travel long distances by local minivans (mashrutky) for around 20 GEL (approximately 8.10 USD). A backpacker’s daily budget of 60 GEL (approximately 24.40 USD) should be ample.

Nepal

Although sightseeing flights over Mount Everest and intense multi-day treks in the Himalayas can cause costs to skyrocket, the base costs of visiting Nepal are very affordable. As a benchmark, a meal in a budget restaurant will cost around 200 NPR (approximately 1.80 USD) and cheap double rooms in a Kathmandu guesthouse can be found for as little as 1,300 NPR (approximately 11.80 USD) per night. You can expect to pay around 3,300 NPR (approximately 30 USD) per day for an experienced trekking guide, though keep in mind that this cost will be split between the group; explore with new pals to make budgets more manageable. With a daily allowance of around 3,000 NPR (approximately 27 USD), visitors should be able to make the most of their time in this fascinating country.

Indonesia

Spread across thousands of islands, Indonesia offers lots of variety. Volcanic landscapes, idyllic beaches, gorgeous lakes, and nature galore contrast with historic highlights, such as Borobudur, and bustling cities. While the prices on different islands can vary immensely, Indonesia is, overall, one of the most budget-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. Costs can be kept down by spending time on just a few nearby islands rather than trying to cram in as many islands as possible. More popular islands, such as Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra, tend to yield better deals than more remote destinations. Limit alcohol consumption (prices tend to be higher here due to the Muslim majority population) and use local transportation and you’ll find that travelling around Indonesia can be really cheap. The average cost of a meal in a regular local restaurant is around 25,000 IDR (approximately 1.70 USD), and in some areas, you can find budget guest houses that start from just 30,500 IDR (approximately 2.10 USD) per night. Realistically, you should plan to spend around 435,000 IDR (approximately 30 USD) per day on a budget trip in Indonesia.

India

A huge and diverse country, India offers something for everyone. From beaches and mountains to world-famous architecture, delicious food, bustling markets, and spiritual experiences, India is a rich and attractive destination. Chill on the splendid beaches of Goa and wander around the myriad churches and other religious buildings. Bathe in the Ganges at Varanasi. Explore the tea plantations and enjoy the cool climate of Darjeeling. Absorb the energy of New Delhi. Discover a world of wonder in India! In a country where dorm beds can be scored for as low as 400 INR (approximately 5.80 USD), cheap street eats are abundant, and long-distance sleeper trains can costs as little as 600 INR (approximately 8.70 USD), travellers can live comfortably on a daily budget of around 2,500 INR (approximately 36 USD). Shoestring travellers can, however, cut costs even more.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s headline attractions and activities are somewhat known for their high costs. For example, climbing the impressive rock of Sigiriya will set you back 4,500 LKR (approximately 28 USD) and a half-day safari in Yala National Park costs around 6,000 LKR (approximately 37.50 USD) per person. Cheap accommodation, meals, and transportation go some way towards offsetting the higher travel costs. Cheap but filling and flavourful meals cost around 250 LKR (approximately 1.60 USD). Enjoying the beaches and roaming around cultural cities are free. Many travellers can enjoy Sri Lanka with a daily budget of around 6,000 LKR (approximately 37.50 USD).

Vietnam

Vietnam is a budget backpacker’s paradise, with some of the cheapest beer in the world (bia hoi), cheap dorm beds and private rooms, wallet-friendly and efficient long-distance transportation, and food that will barely make a dent in your bank account. Rather unusually, the capital city of Hanoi is one of the cheapest Vietnamese cities to explore, though other awesome destinations, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Hoi An, and Hue, won’t cost a fortune either. A basic meal, such as a bowl of pho, costs around 40,000 VND (approximately 1.70 USD), and freshly baked breads and pastries make for a pocket-friendly breakfast. If you can stretch to 1,400,000 VND (approximately 60 USD) per day, you’ll be able to do a lot more on your vacation and enjoy meals in nice restaurants every so often, but budget backpackers can still have a great time with around 930,000 VND (approximately 40 USD) each day.

Malaysia

Malaysia is starting to really come into its own as a top vacation spot in Southeast Asia. Beautiful beaches, architectural gems, glorious national parks, and modern shopping malls attract different types of travellers and the overall travel costs are still lower than in its popular neighbour of Thailand. Keep in mind, however, that Peninsular Malaysia is generally cheaper and easier to get around than Malaysian Borneo. Top destinations on the peninsula include the capital of Kuala Lumpur, quaint Malacca, the lush Cameron Highlands, the lovely island of Langkawi, and the chilled-out Perhentian Islands. A private room in a guest house costs from 43 MYR (approximately 10.60 USD) for a night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is 10 MYR (approximately 2.45 USD). People can enjoy Peninsular Malaysia with a daily budget of 165 MYR (approximately 40.50 USD). As with anywhere, though, increasing your travel budget slightly will allow for even more adventures and little treats.

China

A huge country with stark differences between its modern cities and rural villages, China’s headline attractions cannot fail to impress. From the Great Wall of China to The Bund in Shanghai, and from the Terracotta Warriors to the pandas in Chengdu, China is one of the most diverse nations on the planet. Sail along the Yangtze River, have a spiritual sensation in semi-autonomous Tibet, and wander through the gorgeous gardens of Suzhou. You can sleep for cheap in smaller cities, with dorm beds starting from around 30 CNY (approximately 4.40 USD). In larger cities, however, you’re looking at spending around 90 CNY (approximately 13.20 USD) per night. You can fill up on street food for around 10 CNY (approximately 1.50 USD), and a ten-hour long-distance bus journey will rarely set you back more than 200 CNY (approximately 30 USD). A reasonable daily budget to explore China is 300 CNY (approximately 44 USD).

Iran

Iran is a budget-friendly destination for people who can explore the colourful nation independently. Highlights include the dazzling Golestan Palace in Tehran, the stunning “Pink Mosque” of Shiraz, the ancient sites in Persepolis, and Varzaneh Desert. Note that citizens of some countries, including the USA and UK, can only visit Iran as part of a group tour. Also remember that Iran is not part of the global banking system and you must take enough cash with you to last for your entire trip; obtaining back-up funds is all but impossible! Bus rides are an affordable means of transportation. A meal in a budget restaurant costs around 200,000 IRR (approximately 4.80 USD) and hostels are becoming more common, with dorm beds starting from around 335,000 IRR (approximately 8 USD) for a night. A daily budget of a little over two million IRR (approximately 48 USD) is sufficient for budget explorers.

See more: Top cheap and free things to do in Singapore

Source: Internet